It is only natural for students to be energetic, to test limits, to seek attention and, on occasion, to misbehave. As an instructor, you can respond to a student’s behavior with a positive or negative approach.

One positive approach is to ignore the inappropriate behavior. This approach can prove successful in certain situations where punishing a student’s misbehavior would encourage them to act out more. Ignoring misbehavior dose not work when the student cause danger to themselves or other students and instructors. In that case, immediate action is necessary. Ignoring inappropriate behavior is also not successful when the misbehavior rewards the student.

Applying a “consequence” is one way to correct a student’s behavior. Here are a few suggestions for the appropriate use of consequences.
• Apply a consequence if safety is compromised
• When possible, give a warning before applying a consequence
• Be consistent
• Try to have the consequence fit the action or inappropriate behavior
• Do not choose a consequence that causes you to feel guilty or upset
• Do not discipline a child in front of the group as it will work as a reward. Take them aside from the group and explain what they did wrong and to apologize if needed.
• Ask first what the individual thinks they did wrong.